Thor: The Dark World actress Jaimie Alexander brightens lives on and off screen

Jaimie Alexander plays a fearless warrior in Thor: The Dark World and in reality, the ravishing actress is just as bold. “It’s been an amazing journey. Returning to the set for this film was like a family reunion,” Alexander said of shooting the sequel to Thor. “Everyone on the set is so mellow and chill.”

Although Alexander’s character Sif is still a faithful sidekick to Thor in this Marvel Studios film, she says her character has definitely grown. “You see a more vulnerable side to my character in this film,” Alexander said. “We revamped the costumes to have a more feminine feel. It’s an incredible experience when you put these costumes on. They’re heavy and once you put the shoes on, you really feel like you become that character.”

To physically prepare for her role in Thor: The Dark World, Alexander started hitting the gym hardcore two months before filming with weight lifting, yoga and Pilates. “It’s fun to find different ways to train,” Alexander added.

Alexander also enjoyed sharing the big screen with Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman. “Working with Natalie Portman has been amazing. She’s fantastic. She’s very easy going and so incredible to work with,” Alexander said.

Although she shares definite similarities with Sif, she also finds the role deeply inspiring. “My character in this film is more serious than I am. I am more of a prankster and smart aleck than she is,” Alexander said. “This character is very selfless and she’s always standing up for the underdog. I’m like that too. But I really look up to this character and aspire to be more like her.”

Helping other young women feel good about themselves is a big passion of Alexander’s. The 29-year-old former high school wrestler volunteers at the Dream Center in Los Angeles to be a positive role model to youths. “It’s really important to have a healthy body image and I like to promote that by speaking to youths,” Alexander said. “At the Dream Center, I often talk about healthy eating, diets, body image and building confidence. It inspires me to be better. When you listen to what other girls have gone through, it makes you realize how important it is to be a good role model.”

When she’s not making movies or traveling to promote her films, Alexander loves to spend her time cooking and working out. She also has a very playful side. On previous sets, she admits to hiding fake snakes in castmates’ trailers. “On the plane ride to Miami to do press for Thor, I saw the coolest thing in the Sky Mall catalog,” Alexander said. “It’s a human slingshot. I might have to try that out sometime.”

While the adventurous starlet rocks a sword and shield onscreen, off camera, her secret beauty weapon is Tatcha One Step Camelia Cleansing Oil. “I use cleansing oil instead of soap to remove makeup and maintain a healthy pH balance in my skin,” Alexander said. “Tatcha Cleansing Oil is my favorite.”